Judgment Lien
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
A judgment lien is a lien on a debtor's property created after a creditor wins a money judgment in court and takes the steps the law requires to make it attach.
For real estate, it can cloud title and must usually be paid or released before the property is sold or refinanced.
Florida Rules
In Florida, a judgment becomes a lien on real property in a county when a certified copy is recorded in that county's official records, under section 55.10, Florida Statutes, which also sets how long the lien lasts and how it can be extended. Florida's homestead protections can limit judgment liens on a debtor's homestead.
In a Transaction
Judgment liens appear in title searches. Sellers generally need to satisfy or obtain releases of them at closing. See involuntary liens.
A Hypothetical Example
A title search on a small retail building turns up a recorded judgment against the seller, which is paid from the seller's proceeds at closing. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
A recorded judgment follows the property until it is paid or released. Order title early so it doesn't surprise you at the table.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago, now in Florida, across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Judgment Lien Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a judgment lien?
A lien created after a money judgment is recorded against a debtor's property.
How does it attach in Florida?
By recording a certified copy of the judgment in the county, under s. 55.10.
Does it affect a sale?
Yes; it usually must be satisfied or released.
Can it attach to a homestead?
Florida's homestead protections can limit that.
How is it found?
In a title search of the county records.
Article Summary
A judgment lien attaches to real property when a certified judgment is recorded in the county under Florida's s. 55.10.
Key Takeaways
- ✓A judgment lien attaches to real property when a certified judgment is recorded in the county under Florida's s. 55.10.
- ✓See the FAQs below.
- ✓See the FAQs below.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- The Florida Legislature. "Chapter 55, Florida Statutes: Judgments." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0055/0055.html. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: Linton Global Solutions is a Florida-licensed real estate brokerage, not a broker-dealer, investment adviser or lender, and does not offer or sell securities. CREDDS and REOMind.ai provide decision support only. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.